Simon wants to keep rising with Phoenix

SIMON Mangos is a man on a mission this weekend. The stylish Canadian defenceman wants to beat Cardiff Devils in the Play-off quarter- finals, earn himself a new contract with Manchester Phoenix and continue his odyssey around Britain and Europe.

The stylish Canadian defenceman wants to beat Cardiff Devils in the Play-off quarter- finals, earn himself a new contract with Manchester Phoenix and continue his odyssey around Britain and Europe.

The 27-year-old from Brampton, Ontario, has been one of several success stories this season as homeless Phoenix finally moved into their new rink in Altrincham to finish the regular season in a creditable sixth position following wins against champions Coventry and runners-up Belfast at the weekend.

Now they face Cardiff in Wales on Saturday and in Altrincham on Sunday for a place in the semis.

"Cardiff are a good team and they have been tough to play against all season so it will be a good match up," said Mangos.

"They have a similar-sized rink to us which will be a factor because now we are used to playing in a smaller rink.

"The atmosphere in our building on Sunday will be loud and exciting and, hopefully, we can make the finals weekend. That's what we have been working for and if we made that final it would be huge for this organisation and the city."

Mangos was signed by player/coach Tony Hand after a couple of years in the East Coast League and has formed a formidable partnership with captain Scott Basiuk on the blue line. His performances have been notable for his slick handling skills, coolness under pressure and a knack for scoring crucial goals.

Powerplay

"When we have a powerplay Tony likes to control the puck from the sides and sometimes the opposition are concentrating on him so much they don't see me jumping up at the back post," he said.

"I've scored a few goals that way. I think teams are catching on to it but I'll still be trying it this weekend."

Mangos played for his home town team before gaining a hockey scholarship to Ferris State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he gained a degree in design engineering.

Then he travelled the length and breadth of North America during his time with Fresno Falcons, Texas Wildcatters and Victoria Salmon Kings.

"The opportunity to see new places and meet different people has definitely been a highlight in my career," he added.

"I roomed with Scott Basiuk when we were both called up for the Manchester Monarchs in the American League so we go back a few years."

During that period he also played alongside Mike Keisman and KC Timmons and those friendships played a part in his arrival in Manchester.

"Yes, knowing they would be here did influence my decision because it definitely helps knowing a few faces when you join a new team and they are all great guys," he said.

"But it was a little disappointing arriving here and not having a rink to play in but I did not see any point in getting annoyed about it. But it is such a great city that I think that made up for it. "I live in Sale with my wife Pamela.

"Manchester is very central and we've visited Stonehenge, Bath, Edinburgh and London and we even had a few days in Rome."

"I love Manchester and would definitely like to play here next season . . . especially now we have a rink!"